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Pet Club News 2/10
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2009 |
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Article courtesy of Purina Petcare
Necessary Nutrients
A dog's nutritional health depends on receiving the correct amounts and proportions of nutrients from the six required groups: water, protein, fat, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins. With the exception of water, commercial dog foods identified as 100% complete and balanced contain all of these required nutrients.
Water
Water is essential in helping regulate body temperature, lubrication of body tissues and as a fluid medium for the blood and lymph systems. Because water is involved in practically every reaction within an animal's body, any large deviation will be associated with adverse effects. A dog's body, therefore, has several systems designed to maintain constant water balance.
Water intake is controlled by thirst, hunger, metabolic activity (work, gestation, lactation, growth), and the environment (humidity and temperature).
Dogs obtain water from the water they drink, fluid ingested with food, and water generated from metabolic processes in the body.
Water is lost in urine, feces, respiration, and to a small extent in flakes of skin, saliva, and nasal secretions. For nursing females, water will also be required for milk production.
A dog's water requirement is determined in large part by the amount of food they consume each day. A general guideline is that dogs require 1 ml of water for each kcal of energy.
Energy is measured in calories and a calorie is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water from 14.5 degrees Celsius to 15.5 degrees Celsius. Because this amount of heat is so small, it is common to describe energy requirements and the energy content of foods in kilocalories (1000 calories = 1 kcal). The term Calorie, written with a capital C, is often used to refer to the amount of energy in 1 kilocalorie of food.
Food and Water Consumption
As food intake increases, a dog's water intake also increases. When the water content of a diet increases, the dog usually drinks less water. Therefore, dogs consuming canned diets, which contain approximately 70-75% water, will generally drink less water than dogs consuming dry diets, which contain about 8-12% water.
Necessary Nutrients. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2010, from
http://www.purina.com/dogs/food/Necessary Nutrients.aspx
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Breed of the Month: English Bulldog
History:
Bulldogs come form the ancient breed of Bullenbeissers a mastiff-like dog used for guarding and attacking wild animals in Assyria, Greece, Egypt and Rome. The Bullenbeisser, which came in various sizes, was also certainly used by Teutonic and Celtic tribes. In England, the originally huge Bullenbeisser was bred to be a smaller dog and during the reign of King John (13th century) began its career as a bull baiter. Over the years, an ideal dog for bull baiting was created. First of all, the dog was bred for tenacity, once latched on it wouldn't let go. Secondly, the dog was bred to be impervious to pain. In addition, the Bulldog's weight is primarily in the head so that when the bull shook, the dog was less likely to have its' back broken. Thankfully, baiting and dog fighting were outlawed in England in 1835. From that day, Bulldog owners began selective breeding to eliminate the more aggressive elements of the breed and establish a good-natured, yet still determined family pet.
Dimeanor:
Reportedly, the temperament of the Bulldog is unmatchable. This is a family dog that loves children and will even learn to get along with other pets if introduced to them at an early age. The Bulldog is a bit too friendly to be a good guard dog but would defend a family member in need. They can be peaceful, pensive and goofy and have a well developed sense of humor.
Intelligence:
Although stubborn and not terribly easy to train, the breed is intelligent, devoted and a bit of a clown. To train the Bulldog use consistency and firmness but beware that this dog is very sensitive to the voice. It will not take kindly to being screamed at and will probably choose to end the training session and curl up on the sofa to studiously ignore you.
Information courtesy of Purina Petcare
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Do It Yourself: Banana Nut Biscotti
Ingredients:
5 cups flour
1/4 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1/4 cup grapeseed oil
1-1/2 cups mashed banana
2 teaspoons vanilla
water
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325F. Place dry ingredients in large bowl. Make a well in the center. Blend egg, grapeseed oil and banana together. Add into the dry ingredients in well. start combining together. Add water, one teaspoon at a time as needed. Knead by hand on table until mixed thoroughly. Form into logs approximately 2" - 2 1/2" high. Flatten so that log iis 6" - 7" wide by 1" high. Place on parchment lined baking sheets and bake 30-40 minutes. Remove and let cool. Slice into 1/2" - 3/4" slices. Place on baking sheets and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Store in airtight container.
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Pet Refuge Adoption Spotlight: Bear
Bear has had a hard life, escaping a deadly fate twice; once from neglect, and once from BBD Syndrome. Bear spent the first years of his life neglected on the end of chain. Cold and ignored, life without a person to love is torture for a Lab mix like Bear. He was left there so long that the chain became imbedded in his neck. He was rescued from that miserable life, and brought to a Humane Society shelter where he recovered from his trauma. He was physically scarred from his ordeal, but his inner Lab got him through emotionally, and he was ready to love any person who came along. He then contracted a disease so widely spread; it can only be called an epidemic: Big Black Dog Syndrome (BBD). Whether it is because they look intimidating, aren't as "cute", or just plain aren't as noticeable in a kennel as their lighter colored companions, large, black dogs (especially males) wait the longest to find a home in any shelter. But Bear waited patiently, hoping a home would come.
Unfortunately, the humane society lost its funding before that could happen, and
was shut down. Bear and the other dogs were to be put to sleep. Like a reprieve from the governor, several rescue organizations stepped up to help out this humane society, Pet Refuge was included, and many dog's lives were spared. Bear and 10 other dogs came here in 2008, ready for a second chance to find a loving home. Unfortunately, there is not cure for BBD yet, and so Bear is still waiting for that chance. After waiting so long, he is a little aloof at adoption days. But don’t let that fool you, he is a very people-loving dog, his tail is always wagging in a big circle when he sees his favorite volunteers. He loves to go on walks, and does very well with a gentle leader. He
likes walking along the River Walk, where he can say hello to people and watch the ducks. He is not a high energy dog, having reached that happy Lab age where he’d like to take a stroll with you or race around the yard and then lay down and take a nap.
Living neglected on the end of chain, Bear never learned his canine social skills. He’s been doing well taking walks with other dogs, but would do best in a 1 dog household. Having never been in a home before, he will take a little patience while he learns what is okay to chew and where he should potty, but he promises that he’ll be worth it. Bear is a happy soul, who after such a hard life, still looks forward to having a happy, loving home with a big grin on his face and a wagging tail.
To get more information about Bear and other animals available for adoption at Pet Refuge, visit the Pet Refuge website: www.petrefuge.com or call (574) 256-0886.
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Dear Dr. Paws,
During the winter, how do I know if it's too cold to let my dog outside to play?
Sincerely,
Tom in Elkhart
Dear Tom,
Snow and ice can bother a dog’s feet, but most medium and large breeds can still go on a winter run or walk. A rule of thumb for the average Labrador Retriever is - if you can exercise without a face mask, he should do fine. But wash your dog’s feet off when he comes inside. Dogs who lick road salt off their paws can develop a skin irritation between their toes.
Many large dogs can even stay in the yard on a winter day if they have a dry shelter. But small, short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas may never be comfortable in the cold. These pups can benefit from booties to help prevent frostbite and protect their paws from sharp ice. But no matter what precautions you take, if your dog shivers or becomes listless, get her inside right away.
Answer courtesy of Purina Petcare
http://www.purina.com/dogs/safety/CaninesinCold.aspx
To get your advice from Dr. Paws, simply email your question to us. Each month we’ll select a question to answer right here on our website.
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Upcoming Events
Martin's Paw Mart on State Road 23 in Granger
2/1 Pet Palace Nail Trims 5:00-6:00pm $10.00/pet
2/6 Greyhound Adoptions 1:00-3:00pm
2/7 Nature's Variety Food Demo 11:00am-3:00pm
2/13 Humane Society 12:00-2:00pm; Earthborn Food Demo 11:00am-3:00pm
2/16 Aussie Nail Trims 4:30-6:30p $10.00/pet
2/20 Dream Paws 11:00am-2:00pm
2/21 Earthborn Food Demo 11:00am-2:00pm
2/27 Pet Refuge 12:00-2:00pm; Natures Variety Food Demo 10:00am-2:00pm
Martin's Paw Mart on Cleveland in Saint Joseph (MI)
2/6 Animal Aid Adoptions
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2/27 Humane Society Adoptions
Martin's Paw Mart on Bristol Street in Elkhart
2/3 Nail Trims 5:30-7:00pm
2/6 Great Lakes Greyhounds 11:00am-2:00pm
2/10 Earthborn Food Demo 11:00am-3:00pm
2/14 Earthborn Food Demo 11:00am-3:00pm
Martin's Paw Mart on Jackson Street in Elkhart
2/15/10 Nail Clipping & Microchipping
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Cosmo & Laverne
Age: Cosmo is 3 1/2 (lemon and white Basset) and Laverne is 8 (tri-color Basset).
Submitted by: Amy & Brent McClellan
In a Nutshell: According to Amy, "I always wanted a Basset Hound. When I brought Laverne home 8 years ago, I had no idea how hard the breed can be to train! After a little research, I found out that Basset Hounds are one of the most difficult to potty-train. And, they pretty much do what they want when they want! But, we got through the potty training and 4-1/2 years later decided that Laverne needed a baby brother! On most days Cosmo and Laverne are full of life and energy chasing each other and 2 kitties around the house and backyard. They bark a lot and sometimes howl, but they are lovers at heart and never miss an opportunity to snuggle up on the couch or even in bed!"
If you have a great pet and want it featured in our newsletter, simply email us a photo. Each month we’ll be featuring a different furry (or slimy, or scaly…) friend right here in our Pet of the Month Feature!
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